Blasting the perpetrators behind the ‘prevent boat’ campaign, Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina said they want to see anti-Liberation forces and war criminals once again in office.
“There is a quarter in the country that doesn’t see any development and some are saying that the boat will have to be resisted,” she said while addressing a reception for her at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday.
Hasina said the people of Bangladesh got independence and right to speak in mother tongue by casting their vote for boat, the Awami League’s polls symbol.
The “oust boat” campaign does not suit those who believe in democracy and independence but “this word matches in the mouth of those who led a (luxurious) life and grew up by eating the leftovers of the military rulers”, said the prime minister.
“Bangladesh has become self-reliant in food, entered the nuclear club, launched the first-ever satellite and brought down poverty to 22 percent as the people gave mandate in favour of the boat.”
The Awami League organised the reception to honour its leader for her contributions in the government’s achievements, including the launch of Bangabandhu-1 satellite, Bangladesh’s graduation to a developing nation from a least developed one.
Hasina dedicated the reception to the people of Bangladesh. “The most important thing for me is what the people have got,” she said.
Fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — building a prosperous Bangladesh, is her only aim, Hasina said.
“I have dedicated my life for the people of Bangladesh ... I am doing politics for the exploited and deprived people of Bangladesh, and I am always determined to change the lives of the people,” said the Awami League chief.
Hasina said she will serve the people of the country and work for changing their fate until her death. "My father’s soul will get peace … I know from heaven he will see that the people of his country are now living well."
Earlier, the PM reached the venue around 3:30pm amid cheers from activists and supporters of Awami League who gathered there.
Amid festivity and fanfare, Awami League supporters were seen walking through the main thoroughfares of the capital on their way to the venue.